Djokovic, Nadal and Federer figured out a ‘hack’ prior generations didn’t, claims former World No.1

Former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier believes Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer uncovered a “hack” that played a crucial role in extending their dominance in the sport.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic talk on centre court during the Laver Cup.
© Julian Finney/Getty ImagesRoger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic talk on centre court during the Laver Cup.

There’s no denying that Novak DjokovicRoger Federer, and Rafael Nadal rank among the greatest tennis players in history. While legends like Pete SamprasJohn McEnroe, and Bjorn Borg paved the way, the “Big Three” set themselves apart by maintaining elite levels of play well into their 30s and beyond.

According to former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier, this longevity was not a coincidence but a result of a key strategy that prior generations failed to implement.

Federer retired at 41 after battling persistent injuries, while Nadal stepped away at 38. Djokovic remains the last active member of the trio, continuing to thrive at age 37 as the world’s No. 5. Courier credits their sustained success to a revolutionary approach to scheduling, spearheaded by Federer.

In an interview with the Questions for Cancer Research YouTube channel, Courier highlighted Federer’s strategic tournament planning as a game-changer. “Federer, in particular, set the bar for how to schedule for longevity,” Courier explained. “We didn’t do that. [Ivan] Lendl didn’t do that, [John] McEnroe didn’t do that. [Jimmy] Connors didn’t do that”.

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning championship point against Rafael Nadal of Spain during the 2017 Australian Open. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning championship point against Rafael Nadal of Spain during the 2017 Australian Open. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

We all pushed and pushed and pushed as hard as we could, and eventually either your body hits a breaking point or your mind hits a breaking point,” he continued. “Federer figured out a hack which was, even though I’m required to play these tournaments, I’m not going to. And they’ll just have to deal with my absence because I want to have a long run here, and he did”.

Courier pointed out that Nadal and Djokovic adopted the same strategic approach, learning from Federer’s blueprint. And I think that’s what Nadal and then Djokovic learned to do as well — to manage their careers for longevity in a way that prior generations didn’t,” Courier added.

What could have been for Sampras

Reflecting on Pete Sampras’s career, Courier suggested that the 14-time Grand Slam champion’s journey might have been extended if he had embraced Federer’s strategy.

I know Pete [Sampras] was really mentally fatigued at the end of his career, as was I,” Courier admitted. “It was a grind. It’s a good grind, but it’s a grind, with the never-ending calendar and tennis events, and it’s hard to know if Pete would have been able to extend his career”.

Courier speculated on the potential impact of a more deliberate schedule for Sampras. “I think if Pete would have scheduled the way that Federer did, where Federer would take gaps in the season and take a month off, just decompress and then come back ready to go,” Courier concluded.